The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch

The Fonthill Branch was originally opened in the 1980s and has continued to expand services to meet the growing needs of the community. Since the branch's opening, there have been limited upgrades to the building. There are three areas of improvement that have been highlighted that would enable the branch to continue to offer services for the residents of the area into the future.

There are three updates that the library would like to undertake to meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA standards) and ensure the library is accessible for staff and all community members. AODA standards must be met by 2025, as set out by the Province of Ontario.

The requested improvements include the following:

1. Accessible public access to the lower level of the library
   • As library collections and services expanded, the lower level has been used only by limited staff and for storage
   • The lower level is currently only accessed by stairs and has no windows, variable heating or restroom
   • Space in the lower level could be repurposed to allow more program and meeting space
   • Additional dedicated staff areas on the lower level would expand public access spaces on the main level
2. Accessible library shelving
   • Library shelving to meet the accessibility standards
   • Flexible shelving that can adapt to changing program needs
3. Accessible restroom facilities
   • Renovated restroom facilities will meet the AODA standards determined by the province

Costs for proposed changes have been reviewed, and grant applications have been submitted to cover a portion of the cost required for the updates. To proceed with the next step of the renovation project, a designer has been awarded the contract through a request for proposal format to create a re-design of the Fonthill Branch. Ward 99 Architects has begun the review process and will be working with the Town of Pelham, LPPL and the community to create a design that supports the operations and aspirations of the library now and into the future.

Community feedback will be part of the design process – follow the project for updates and opportunities to be part of writing the next chapter...